Inspiring People in Chaotic Times

Dwight D. Eisenhower said, ?Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.? That is what is needed especially in downtimes.
In today?s economy, all pointers suggest that leaders/managers need to focus their efforts on how to motivate and inspire people to get work done by fewer individuals with limited resources and time. Motivated employees have higher productivity and passion to pursue professional and personal goals.

Motivation is a problem we all face no matter who we are, what we do or according to our social and biological background. Employees need motivation in order to meet or exceed expectations. Sales men and women have to apply the motivational spark for clients to invest their (clients) hard earned dollars.

To inspire and encourage others, the first thing to understand is what de-motivates people, reduces productivity and lowers personal expectations. No matter how talented people are the following aspects negatively impact their productivity: Unclear vision, goals and expectations; ultimatums and threats; poor communication within and between an organization?s departments, minimal or no opportunities for personal and/or professional growth; job related stress and/or illness; workplace gossip and back- biting; inadequate training; continuous unexplained changes; lack of recognition for small and big wins; put-down behavior or talk by superiors; tactless discipline; lack of involvement in team projects and; un-family friendly workplace environments.

Here are 9 top tips for inspiring people to peak performance in chaotic times.

1. Communicate your expectations clearly. After understanding the nature of your jungle and what needs to be done, communicate it concretely.

2. Keep tasks, chores or jobs challenging. The absence of a winner?s thrill kills motivation. To win there must be a challenge.

3. Provide adequate training and retraining. The future is what we are all concerned about. Train for present and future survival.

4. Be what you want others to be. The best gift one can give his/her children is to be a good example.

5. Use the power of positive discipline. Understand that traditional threats, tactless discipline, minimal professional growth opportunities and other de-motivators in your home or your industry are short-term motivators. They make folks want ?out.?

6. Provide feedback on a continuous basis. As the giraffe herd moves along grazing, a mother giraffe stops here and there to encourage her baby (in their own language).

7. Appreciation. It has been said, ?Even eagles need a push.? Constant appreciation is the ?push? we all need. Try this: appreciate your spouse, child, parent, friend, co-worker or a stranger for something like making breakfast, brushing their teeth, helping with tuition or baby sitting, helping out with a project at work, or being there for you at your time of need. Chances are they will repeat the good deed or do a different one.

8. Motivation begins with you. This is number ONE. If you are not motivated, no one will be moved by your words. Try showing a child how to clean their bathroom with a frowned face and obvious dislike of the job.

9. Stick with it. Motivation is not just a TGIF (Thank God It?s Friday) thing. Monday at 8:00 a.m., or a rainy/cloudy or a bad day are not an excuse to lower your enthusiasm. It should come from within, but not from material objects or things you cannot control.

As Vince Lombardi said, ?The quality of a person?s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.? Leaders have to commit to personal and professional growth. Become a lifelong learner; be self-initiating; forget turf; learn to look, ask and listen; tap the richness of a diversified team and; learn to turn obstacles to opportunities.